It was narrated from Abu Mas‘ud that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If a man spends on his family, seeking reward with Allah thereby, it will be an act of charity on his part.”.

Commentary : Spending in Allah’s cause is one of the best of righteous deeds, hence spending may take many forms, and the extent of spending should be properly worked out. Spending may vary according to one’s situation and circumstances. One of the best kinds of spending is spending on one’s wife, children and relatives, just as neglecting them is a grievous sin.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explains that if a man spends his wealth on his family – his wife, children and other relatives – for whose maintenance he is responsible and spending on them is obligatory upon him, intending that for the sake of Allah and seeking His pleasure, then whatever he spends, small or great, will be regarded by Allah as a righteous deed for which he will be granted the reward of charity. What man can attain a greater reward than a man who spends on his family so that by means of his help, Allah will enable them to maintain their dignity and make them independent of means? The hadith does not mean that this spending comes under the same rulings as charity; rather the reward for it will be like the reward of charity. And it was said that the wording may give the sense that the reward for spending [on one’s family] can only be attained if one has the intention of drawing closer to Allah thereby, whether it is obligatory or permissible, and that the one who does not intend to draw closer to Allah thereby will not be rewarded, but he will have fulfilled his duty of spending on those on whom he is obliged to spend. This hadith encourages us to have a good intention in all that we do, and draws attention to the fact that the intention in the heart is important in all cases, therefore faith and other acts of worship are included in that..

It was narrated from Sa‘d ibn Abi Waqqas that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “You will never spend anything, seeking thereby the pleasure of Allah, but you will be rewarded for it, even [the food] that you put in your wife’s mouth.”.

Commentary : Having a good intention in every action is very important, and no act of Islamic worship is valid or will be accepted unless it is accompanied by a sound intention. Even ordinary actions, if they are accompanied by a good intention, will bring reward.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him stated that reward is not limited to giving money in charity to others; rather whatever you spend on yourself, your family and others, if it is intended to seek the pleasure of Allah (may He be exalted), and is not done in order to show off or seek a good reputation, will bring reward. Whatever is intended for the sake of Allah will be rewarded, even if the doer feels some kind of pleasure and the like in doing it, such as putting a morsel of food into his wife’s mouth. That is something that is usually done for what one feels of pleasure, and if reward is assured in such a scenario, then reward will definitely be more appropriate when an action is done purely for the sake of Allah.
This hadith also indicates that a good intention turns an ordinary action into an act of worship, so the wise person should not do anything without intending to seek the pleasure of Allah (may He be exalted) thereby..

It was narrated that Jarir ibn ‘Abdillah said: I swore allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), pledging to establish prayer, give zakah and be sincere to every Muslim..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to accept the oath of allegiance (bay‘ah) from his companions when they became Muslim, to affirm their commitment to their faith, and to teach them the most important duties of Islam when they first became Muslim.
In this hadith, Jarir ibn ‘Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I swore allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), pledging to do these things: to establish prayer, which is done by regularly offering the five daily prayers in the manner required, on time, with all their essential parts, obligatory actions and conditions. And [pledging to] give zakah, which is an obligatory, financial act of worship, to be given on every type of wealth that meets the minimum threshold, as defined in Islamic teachings, when one full lunar (or Hijri) year has passed since acquiring that wealth, giving one quarter of one tenth. One should also give zakah on an‘am animals [camels, cattle and sheep] and other livestock; zakah on crops, fruits, and trade goods; and zakah on rikaz, which is buried treasure that is brought out of the earth and, it was said, minerals and metals, on the basis of their nisab (minimum threshold), to be given at the time at which their zakah becomes due. Giving zakah in the proper manner to those who are entitled to it brings increased blessing (barakah) to wealth, and brings great reward in the hereafter, whereas being stingy and withholding it from those who are entitled to it brings bad consequences in this world and the hereafter. Zakah combines the rights of Allah and the rights of people, and it is an obligatory duty and one of the pillars of Islam. It is a means of meeting the needs of those who are in need.
He said: I also pledged to be sincere to every Muslim man and woman, by being keen to benefit them, helping them to attain all that is good and warding off from them all that is bad, in both word and deed. Muslims are mentioned in particular because this is what is usually the case [in a majority-Muslim society]. However, sincerity towards disbelievers also matters, which means calling them to Islam and offering sound and sincere advice if they ask for it.
And it was said that only prayer and zakah are mentioned here because all other financial and physical acts of worship stem from them, as they are the major financial and physical acts of worship. They are the most important pillars of Islam after uttering the words of the twin declaration of faith. Moreover, fasting comes under the heading of physical acts of worship, and the one who regularly and consistently offers the prayers is more likely to fast, whereas if someone fasts, he does not necessarily adhere to praying regularly. Hajj is a combination of both financial and physical acts of worship, so whoever prays and fasts is going to do Hajj, especially when it is required only once in a lifetime, unlike the prayer, for which there are set times every day and night, and zakah, which is to be given once every year, from wealth that reaches the minimum threshold (nisab).
The reason why the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) mentioned the issue of sincerity to Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him) in particular is that he was the chief and leader of his people. He came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in 10 AH and became Muslim, and his people followed him. So the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) advised him to be sincere because he had a greater need to do that.
This hadith indicates that it is obligatory to show sincerity towards the Muslims, to wish them well, to be keen to help them and to strive to benefit them..

It was narrated that Ziyad ibn ‘Ilaqah said: I heard Jarir ibn ‘Abdillah speak on the day al-Mughirah died. He stood up and praised and glorified Allah, and said: I urge you to fear Allah alone, with no partner or associate, and to be people of dignity and tranquility until a [new] governor comes to you, for he will come to you soon. Then he said: Pray for pardon for your governor, for he was a man who loved to pardon others. Then he said: To proceed (amma ba‘d): I came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and said: Let me swear allegiance to you, pledging to follow Islam, and he stipulated that I should be sincere to all Muslims. So I swore allegiance to him on that basis. By the Lord of this mosque, I am sincere to you. Then he prayed for forgiveness and stepped down..

Commentary : Because of the importance and high status of sincerity in Islam, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stipulated it as a condition for those who came to swear allegiance to him, pledging to follow Islam, namely the noble Sahabah. Here we see Jarir ibn ‘Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him) on the day al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah (may Allah be pleased with him) died, which occurred in 50 AH, when he was the governor of Kufah, during the caliphate of Mu‘awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him). Before he died, he appointed his son ‘Urwah as interim governor. It was also suggested that he appointed Jarir ibn ‘Abdillah as interim governor, which is why he delivered this speech after the death of al-Mughirah. So he praised and glorified Allah, and said: “I urge you to fear Allah alone, with no partner or associate, and to be people of dignity and tranquility.” He enjoined these things upon them because usually the death of governors may lead to upheaval and turmoil, especially as the people of Kufah at that time were known to be opposed to the authorities. Moreover he urged them to maintain dignity – which means mature thinking, wisdom and rationality – until a new governor came to take the place of their recently-deceased governor al-Mughirah. He told them that the new governor would come “soon” so as to make things easier for them, and that is indeed what happened, because when news of al-Mughirah’s death reached Mu‘awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him), he wrote to his governor in Basrah, Ziyad ibn Abi Sufyan, instructing him to go to Kufah and serve as its governor.
Then Jarir said to them: Pray for pardon for your governor; in other words, ask Allah (may He be exalted) to pardon him, for he loved to pardon the people’s misdemeanours, and the reward matches the nature of the deed. According to a report narrated by Ahmad, he said, “pray for forgiveness”, meaning: ask Allah to forgive him. Then Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the story of how he swore allegiance to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). He said, “To proceed (amma ba‘d),” which is a word used when moving from one topic to another. What is meant is: I say, after opening with the shahadah and words praising Allah (may He be glorified and exalted): “I came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and said: O Messenger of Allah, let me swear allegiance to you, pledging to follow Islam” that is, promising to do that. The Arabic word translated here as pledging (bay‘ah) likens this action to a financial transaction, as if each party is giving something in return for what he takes from the other party. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stipulated that he should be sincere to every Muslim man and woman, which means being keen to benefit them, helping them to attain all that is good and warding off from them all that is bad, in both word and deed. Muslims are mentioned in particular because this is what is usually the case [in a majority-Muslim society]. However, sincerity towards disbelievers also matters, which means calling them to Islam and offering sound and sincere advice if they ask for it. So Jarir swore allegiance on that basis. Then Jarir swore an oath to them, saying: By the Lord of this mosque, I am sincere to you. This is an indication that he fulfilled his pledge to the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), as he advised them to do what was in their best interests, swearing that his words were sincere and free of any ulterior motives.
Then he concluded his speech by asking Allah for forgiveness, and stepped down. This indicates that he delivered his speech from the minbar, or that he had been standing and sat down, because the beginning of the report says that he stood up and praised and glorified Allah.
This hadith indicates that it is obligatory to be sincere towards the Muslims.
It also indicates that a knowledgeable person may exhort people if he sees some development that he fears may cause trouble for them, and that he may encourage them to be united and in harmony, and to avoid dissent and division..

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: Whilst the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was in a gathering, addressing the people, a Bedouin came and said: When will the Hour be? The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) carried on talking, and some of the people thought: he heard him, but he did not like what he said. Others thought: Rather he did not hear him. Then when he had finished speaking, he said: “Where is the one who was asking about the Hour?” The man said: I am here, O Messenger of Allah. He said: “When trust is lost, then expect the Hour.” He said: How can trust be lost? He said: “When positions of authority are given to those who are not qualified for them, then expect the Hour.”.

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to teach the people about their religion and answer their questions, so as to make the truth clear to them and explain to them that which would benefit them both in this world and the hereafter, and some matters of the unseen of which Allah informed him.
In this hadith, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was addressing his companions and teaching them. A Bedouin man – one of those who lived in the desert – came and asked: At what time will the Day of Resurrection begin? But the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not answer him straight away; rather he completed what he was saying to the people. This is an example of his good etiquette, as he did not interrupt what he was saying about the first topic until he had finished it and made sure that his listeners understood what he was saying. Some of the people thought that he did not like this question, and others thought that he had not heard what the Bedouin had said, and that was why he did not answer him. But when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had finished what he was saying, he turned towards the Bedouin and answered his question, saying that it would happen when trust was lost. Then he explained that by saying: “When positions of authority are given to those who are not qualified for them”, meaning: when people who are not religiously committed and are not honest take on positions of authority, and those who help them to commit wrongdoing and evil actions also take on such positions. In that case, the rulers will have neglected the trust which Allah enjoined upon them to the extent that one who is dishonest will be trusted, and one who is honest will be mistrusted. This can only happen when ignorance is prevalent and the people of truth fail to adhere to the truth. We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound.
This hadith indicates that one should be kind to one who asks a question, even if he is rough in his manner of asking or he behaves in an ignorant manner.
It also indicates that one should show care for questioners and seekers of knowledge, and show interest in them, and answer their questions.
It also indicates that one of the highest levels of honesty and trustworthiness is when qualified people are appointed to positions of authority, and failing to do that is failing to adhere to the trust.
And it indicates that the questioner may ask further questions of the knowledgeable person if he does not understand the answer..

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fell behind us on a journey, then he caught up with us when the time for prayer was almost over, and we were doing wudu’. We started to wipe over our feet, and he called out at the top of his voice: “Woe to the heels from the Fire!” two or three times..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would always check on his companions (may Allah be pleased with them), especially with regard to their acts of worship, in order to teach them and advise them.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fell behind his companions on a journey, as he would usually travel behind them so as to urge those who had fallen behind to keep up, and to be with those who were physically weak. When the time for prayer came, they would halt to pray, then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would come and lead them in prayer. They delayed the prayer from the beginning of its time, hoping that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would catch up with them and pray with them. When not much time was left for the prayer, they hastened to do wudu’, and because they were in such a hurry, they did not do it properly and did not make the water reach every spot of the parts that were to be washed. They washed their feet too quickly, to the extent that it looked as if they were just wiping them. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) caught up with them when they were doing that, so he rebuked them for what he saw them doing, and called out in a loud voice so that everyone could hear, “Woe to the heels from the Fire!” This is a stern warning for the one who does not wash properly the parts that are to be washed in wudu’, and it is urging them to do it properly and perfectly, giving each part its due share of the water. “Woe (wayl)” is a word that signifies punishment and doom. The heel is the part of the foot that touches the ground and extends from the back of the foot to the place where a sandal strap is tied (around the ankle). The heels are singled out for mention because that is the spot where water is least likely to reach when one is not paying attention.
This hadith indicates that one should teach and advise the one who is ignorant.
It indicates that one of the basic guidelines when teaching in Islam is to repeat a sentence two or three times so that the seeker of knowledge will understand it.
It also indicates that the knowledgeable person may denounce what he sees of people neglecting of obligatory duties and Sunnahs, and he may speak harshly and raise his voice when denouncing that.
The hadith also indicates that it is encouraged to check the places that water does not usually reach when doing wudu’, such as the heels, and warn the one who does not do wudu’ properly.
It also indicates that the body may be punished; this is the view of Ahl al-Sunnah wal Jama‘ah..

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Among trees, there is one tree whose leaves do not fall, and it is like the Muslim. Tell me what it is.” The people started listing the trees of the desert. ‘Abdullah said: It occurred to me that it was the palm tree, but I felt too shy to say anything. Then they said: Tell us what it is, O Messenger of Allah. He said: “It is the palm tree.”.

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was a wise teacher and great educator. He used to give likenesses to the people to explain some ideas.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) asked his companions about the tree whose leaves do not fall, which he likened to the Muslim. They started to think only about trees of the desert, each of them listing different types of desert trees, but the palm tree completely slipped their minds. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) thought to himself that it was the palm tree, but he was too shy to mention what he had in mind, out of respect for the senior Sahabah present, who could not give the right answer. So the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gave them the answer, telling them that it was the palm tree. The palm tree is like the Muslim in the sense that it has a great deal of goodness, it constantly offers shade (because it does not lose its leaves), it bears good fruit, and it offers many other benefits. It is full of benefits, goodness and beauty. Similarly, the believer is all good because he does many acts of worship, has good characteristics, and persists in doing righteous deeds, giving charity and doing all kinds of good deeds. So it is as if he never stops doing good, so he constantly does good deeds just as the leaves of the palm tree are always there, then it gives fruits at the right time.
In this hadith we see that a knowledgeable person may ask a question of those who want to learn, in order to see how much they understand.
This hadith also highlights the intelligence of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
It also highlights the virtue of the palm tree and how it is like the Muslim. .

It was narrated that Anas ibn Malik said: Whilst we were sitting with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in the mosque, a man came in on a camel. He made the camel kneel down in the mosque, then he hobbled it, then he said to them: Which of you is Muhammad? The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was reclining amongst them, and we said: He is this fair-skinned man who is reclining. The man said to him: O son of ‘Abdul Muttalib. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I hear you.” The man said to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): I am going to ask you some questions, and may seem harsh, so do not get angry with me. He said: “Ask whatever you want.” The man said: I ask you by your Lord and the Lord of those who came before you, has He sent you to all people? He said: “By Allah, yes.” The man said: I adjure you by Allah, has Allah commanded you that we should offer five prayers every day and night? He said: “By Allah, yes.” The man said: I adjure you by Allah, has Allah commanded you that we should fast during this month of the year? He said: “By Allah, yes.” The man said: I adjure you by Allah, has Allah commanded you to take this charity [zakah] from our rich and distribute it among our poor? The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “By Allah, yes.” The man said: I believe in what you have brought, and I am an envoy of my people whom I left behind. I am Dimam ibn Tha‘labah, a man of Banu Sa‘d ibn Bakr. .

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was the most humble of people. People would come to him and ask him about the teachings of Islam, and he would teach them and answer their questions as appropriate to their circumstances, until the matter became clear in their minds.
In this hadith, Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Dimam ibn Tha‘labah (may Allah be pleased with him) – who was the chief of his people, Banu Sa‘d ibn Bakr – came to Madinah to meet the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and ask him about the pillars of Islam so that he could teach his people after he went back. He came in and found the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and his companions in the mosque. Dimam was riding a camel, and he made it kneel on the ground in the mosque, then he tied it so that it would not move. Then he said to them: Which of you is Muhammad? The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was reclining on a mat of his in the midst of the people, because he was so humble. The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) told Dimam that the fair-skinned man who was reclining on the mat was the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), so Dimam called out to him: O son of ‘Abdul Muttalib, naming him after his grandfather. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to him: “I hear you”; in other words, ask me your questions so that I can answer you. He only answered in this abrupt manner because the man had not paid any attention to what was required of him, which was to show respect and be well-mannered, when he brought his camel into the mosque and asked “Which of you is Muhammad?”, and addressed him as son of ‘Abdul Muttalib. Then Dimam said: I am going to ask you some questions, and may seem harsh, so do not get upset or be angry with me. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Ask whatever you want”, meaning ask whatever comes to your mind. Dimam said: I ask you by your Lord and the Lord of those who came before you, has He sent you to all people? The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) replied: “By Allah, yes”, Allah has indeed sent me as a bringer of glad tidings and a warner to all people. Then Dimam adjured the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) by Allah (may He be glorified in exalted), reminding him of Allah, to answer him: has Allah enjoined upon His slaves to offer the obligatory prayers, fast Ramadan, and to collect the obligatory zakah, taking this charity from the rich and giving it to the poor? The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) answered by saying, “By Allah, yes.” At this point, Dimam hastened to declare his belief and become a Muslim. In fact, he told the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that he would call all his people to Islam. Then he introduced himself to the Prophet, telling him that he was Dimam ibn Tha‘labah, a man of Banu Sa‘d ibn Bakr, among whom the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had been breast-fed.
In this hadith, we see that a man may be identified by his physical characteristics, such as whether he is fair-skinned or dark-skinned, tall or short, because the Sahabah said: We said: He is this fair-skinned man.
It also highlights the humility of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and how he sat among his companions, and none of them stood whilst he was sitting, as the non-Arabs used to do unnecessarily.
The hadith also indicates that a person may give an apology and seek forgiveness before speaking, so that what he says will be well received by the one to whom he is speaking..

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sent a letter to a man and instructed him to give it to the ruler of Bahrain. Then the ruler of Bahrain gave it to Khusraw. When he read it he tore it up, and I think that Ibn al-Musayyib said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed against them, praying that they would be torn to pieces..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to send letters to the kings and rulers of the earth at his time, calling them to Islam, in the hope that they would accept guidance and so that their people would be guided through them, without war. In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas narrates that our Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sent his letter with a man, namely ‘Abdullah ibn Hudhafah, and instructed him to give it to the ruler of Bahrain. The ruler or governor of Bahrain at that time was al-Mundhir ibn Sawi. Bahrain was a kingdom between Basrah and Oman which belonged to the Persian Empire. The ruler of Bahrain sent the letter to Khusraw, whose name was Pervez son of Hormuz. He read the letter, then he tore it up. When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came to know of that, he prayed against them, praying that Allah would tear them to pieces and cause them to be scattered, putting an end to their kingdom. Allah answered the prayer of His Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Only a few years later, the power of the Persians diminished completely throughout the land, and collapsed by virtue of the prayer of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and a final end was put to it during the caliphate of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
In this hadith, we see that we may call people to Islam verbally and in writing, and that writing may take the place of speaking.
This hadith is also one of the signs of the truthfulness of the prophethood of our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)..

It was narrated that Anas ibn Malik said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him wrote a letter – or he wanted to write a letter – but he was told: They do not read any letter unless it is sealed. So he had a ring of silver made, engraved with the words Muhammad Rasulullah (Muhammad the Messenger of Allah). It is as if I can see it gleaming on his hand. I said to Qatadah: Who said that it was engraved with the words Muhammad Rasulullah? He said: Anas..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to write letters to the rulers of the earth at his time, calling them to enter Islam, in the hope that they would accept guidance and their people would be guided through them, without war. But they had some traditions with regard to correspondence.
In this hadith, Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that our Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) wanted to send a letter to one of the Persian rulers, or to the Byzantines, as it says in the report of al-Bukhari. But his companions told him that kings would not read any letters except those that had a seal bearing the signature of the sender. What is meant is a wax seal that was stamped with a name or a symbol that the sender had adopted for himself to seal and verify his letters. They would not read any letter unless it was sealed, for fear that their secrets might become known and their plans might be broadcast, and so as to be certain that the written contents had not been altered. So the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) acquired a ring of silver, because silver is not prohibited for men, and it may be worn on the hand, and he had it engraved with the second part of the shahadah: Muhammad Rasulullah (Muhammad [is] the Messenger of Allah).
Then Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that he used to look at the gleaming of the Prophet’s ring when it was worn on his hand. This hadith narrates how fresh this image of the ring and the Prophet’s wearing of it still was in his mind.
From this hadith, we also learn that rulers, judges and governors may use seals on letters, and this is a tradition that is still practised.
The hadith also indicates that it is prescribed to write to the disbelievers in ways that serve the interests of Islam and the Muslims.
It also indicates that it is prescribed to engrave rings and to inscribe the name of the owner on the ring..

It was narrated from Abu Waqid al-Laythi that whilst the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was sitting in the mosque, and the people were with him, three men came along. Two of them came towards the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and one went away. They stood before the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). One of them saw a gap in the circle, so he sat down there, and the other one sat behind the people. As for the third, he turned and left. When the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had finished speaking, he said: “Shall I not tell you about these three people? As for the first one, he turned to Allah so Allah granted him refuge. As for the second one, he felt too shy, so Allah felt shy of him. As for the last one, he turned away, so Allah turned away from him.”.

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was the best educator. He used to teach his companions on the basis of situations that happened to them, using them as examples to explain to them the path of guidance, and to show them the way to that which is in their best interests in this world and the hereafter.
In this hadith, Abu Waqid al-Laythi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was sitting with his companions in the mosque, when three men came along. As for the first one, he found space in the circle, so he sat in it. As for the second one, he sat behind the circle, as if he was too shy to push his way in and make it difficult for the people. As for the third, he turned away and left, and did not join the circle. When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) finished what he was talking about, teaching the Qur’an, Islamic knowledge and so on, he said: Shall I not tell you about these people? As for one of them, he turned to Allah, so Allah granted him refuge. He is the one who sat in the gap, because he was sincere and eager to sit with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), so Allah made it easy for him and provided space for him in the gathering of His Prophet. It was also said that was meant is that Allah caused him to be close to where His Prophet was sitting, and it was said that what was meant is that He will grant him refuge in the shade of His Throne.
As for the second man, he felt too shy, so he did not push his way in, out of shyness before the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and his companions, or he sat down because he was too shy to leave the circle of knowledge. So Allah felt shy of him, because he did not push in or put himself forward.
As for the third man, he turned away and left the gathering of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), so Allah turned away from him and did not inspire him to sit with those righteous people.
This hadith affirms the attribute of haya’ (shyness) for Allah, but it is not like the shyness of people; rather it is shyness in a perfect sense, as is befitting for Allah (may He be glorified and exalted).
This hadith also indicates that whoever seeks knowledge and gatherings of knowledge, then turns away from them, Allah will turn away from him, and if Allah turns away from someone, that person has exposed himself to His wrath. We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound.
It also indicates that part of good manners is to sit wherever one finds space, and not to make someone else get up and move.
The report also indicates that a knowledgeable person may teach the people who are sitting with him about issues of knowledge, before anyone asks about those issues.
It also indicates that shyness is a praiseworthy characteristic.
And it indicates that the one who shows no interest in knowledge is worthy of criticism, because no one is deprived of knowledge of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and still has any goodness in him..

It was narrated from ‘Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Bakrah that his father spoke about the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sitting atop his camel, with another man holding the camel’s reins. He said: “What day is this?” We remained quiet until we thought that he would give it a different name. Then he said: “Is it not the Day of Sacrifice?” We said: Yes indeed. Then he said: “What month is this?” We remained quiet until we thought that he would give it a different name. Then he said: “Is it not Dhul Hijjah?” We said: Yes indeed. He said: “Your blood, your wealth and your honour are sacred to one another, as sacred as this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this land of yours. Let those who are present convey it to those who are absent, for perhaps one who is present will convey it to someone who understands it better than him.”.

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did Hajj only once, which was the Farewell Pilgrimage, during which he addressed his companions, advising them about some things which are fundamental principles of Islamic teaching, including what is mentioned in this hadith. Abu Bakrah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) addressed the people on the Day of Sacrifice, which is the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah; this day is also Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). He was sitting atop his camel, and there was a man holding onto the reins of his she-camel; this refers to a rope tied to a ring in the nose of the camel, so that it may be led easily. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to his companions: “What day is this?” They remained silent until they thought that he was going to change its name, because its name was well-known to all. This is also an example of their good manners with their Prophet. It also indicates that major issues should be referred to the Lawgiver. Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Is it not the Day of Sacrifice?” It is so called because of what occurs on that day of the slaughter of sacrificial animals (hadiy and udhiyah). They said: Yes indeed. Then he said: “What month is this?” They again remained silent, because they thought that he was going to change the name that they knew. Then he said: “Is it not Dhul Hijjah?” So they said: Yes indeed. He asked them these two questions, then remained silent after each question, to make them focus and pay full attention to his words, and so that they would realize that what he was going to tell them was something of great importance. Hence he told them that the prohibition on transgressing against one another’s wealth and honour, and the sanctity of those things, was equivalent to the sanctity of the Day of Sacrifice, the sacred month, and Makkah al-Mukarramah. This was to emphasize how serious these matters are (and how great a sin it is to transgress against fellow Muslims). Then he instructed those who were present to convey what he said to those who were absent, for perhaps one who was absent would understand better than the one who heard it and conveyed it.
This hadith indicates that it is prescribed to convey and narrate hadiths, and highlights the virtue of this knowledge and its people.
It indicates that learning about hadith is one thing and understanding hadith is something else. The narrator may narrate a hadith to someone who understands it better than him, and the narrator may not understand it fully.
It indicates that it is permissible to sit on an animal’s back whilst it is standing still, if there is a need to do that.
It also indicates that speeches should be delivered from a high place, because that is more effective in letting the people hear and see the speaker..

It was narrated that Ibn Mas‘ud said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to choose the appropriate day and time to exhort us, for fear that we would become bored..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was the best in teaching and educating his companions. He used to teach them through his words and actions, and the noble Sahabah would describe his style and way of preaching.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was very keen that his companions should benefit and learn from his preaching and exhortation, he did not do that with them very often. Rather he would choose some days to exhort them, and not do that on other days; he would also choose an appropriate time when he thought that they would be more receptive to his teaching. He used to limit that to appropriate times, for fear that they would get bored and tired of it, which would lead to them finding his exhortation burdensome, then they would resent it and be put off by it, in which case it would not be as effective as hoped.
This hadith highlights the kindness of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and his compassion towards his ummah, and how he took measures to ensure that they would receive his exhortation with energy and eagerness, without becoming bored or tired. .

It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Make things easy and do not make things difficult; give glad tidings and do not put people off.”.

Commentary : Islam is a religion of moderation, which came to make things easy for people, not to burden them with what they cannot bear and are not able to do. Islam warns against overburdening oneself and going to extremes.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enjoined two things and forbade their opposites. He enjoined making things easy and he forbade the opposite of that, which is making things difficult. Whoever makes things easy for a Muslim in any of his worldly affairs, such as transactions and interactions with others, or in any of his religious affairs, such as acts of worship, or in anything so long as it is within the framework of what is right and proper, and does not go beyond that, then Allah (may He be exalted) will make things easy for him. In this regard, it is sufficient to note that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), who was the leader of humanity and the most able to obey and worship Allah, was never given the choice between two things but he would choose the easier option, so long as it was not haram.
The second thing he enjoined was giving glad tidings and saying good things; this is the opposite of warning, which means giving bad news and going to extremes in alerting and scaring people, which could be off-putting. What is meant by the words “give glad tidings and do not put people off” is: Give the people – or the believers – glad tidings of the grace and reward of Allah, His immense generosity and His vast mercy, and do not put them off by speaking in such a way as to scare them and warn them. So with those who are new in Islam, it is more appropriate to be gentle with them and not be too strict with them. The same applies to young people who are approaching adolescence, and adults who have repented from sin. A gentle approach should be used with them all, and acts of worship should be introduced to them step-by-step, just as the rulings of Islam were introduced and enjoined gradually. That is because if a gentle approach is used with one who wants to start practising Islam or become a Muslim, it will become easy for him, and in most cases he will show more commitment and do more good deeds. But if it is made difficult for him from the outset, he may not commit himself to it, and if he does start, he may soon give up and find that he is no longer able to do it.
This is a lesson and a guideline for those who seek to call people to Islam, and those who are in charge of religious affairs: they should use an approach that is easy, giving glad tidings and offering encouragement, whether by referring to the beauties of Islam and what could motivate and encourage people, or speaking of what is with Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) in the hereafter of gardens of bliss.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) referred to the blessings of both this world and the hereafter, because this world is the realm of striving and the hereafter is the realm of requital. So with regard to worldly matters he enjoined making things easy, and with regard to the hereafter, he enjoined speaking of the promise of good things and glad tidings, to confirm that he was indeed a mercy to the worlds in both realms. .

Humayd ibn ‘Abdur Rahman said: I heard Mu‘awiyah delivering a speech and saying: I heard the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “When Allah wills good for someone, He grants him understanding of religion. I am simply sharing out something that Allah gives me. This ummah will continue to adhere to the command of Allah and those who oppose them will not harm them, until the decree of Allah comes to pass.”.

Commentary : Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) is forbearing and most merciful to His slaves, and He loves good for them. In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) tells us that when Allah wills much good and great benefit for a person, He grants him understanding of religion, so He bestows upon him Islamic knowledge. There is nothing better than that in this world in terms of virtue, honour and high status, because it is the legacy of the Prophets who did not leave any other legacy. The word khayran (translated here as good) appears in the indefinite form in the original Arabic, to indicate that it includes all types of good, small and great. The use of the indefinite may also indicate how great and important a thing is, and that fits the context here.
Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) tells us that the true giver is Allah (may He be exalted). It is as if he is saying: I am not the giver; I am simply sharing out what I have been commanded to share out, in accordance with the way that I have been instructed to do it. All things are subject to the will and decree of Allah (may He be exalted); human beings are controlled and their affairs are directed by their Lord. All wealth belongs to Allah (may He be exalted) and all people belong to Him; the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) shares out His wealth among them, so whoever receives a large share from him, that is by the decree of Allah (may He be exalted) and is what is already decreed for him, and the same applies to the one who receives a small share. No one will have more provision than is already decreed for him, just as no one’s lifespan can be extended. The reason why the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said that was to console the people and soften their hearts, because he used to give more to some people than others.
Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stated that a group of Muslims would remain steadfast in adhering to his religion until the onset of the Hour. It was said that their steadfastness in religion would be manifested in their adhering to jihad and fighting to support the truth and make the word of Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) supreme, until the decree of Allah comes to pass; what is meant by His decree here is the pleasant breeze that will come before the onset of the Hour and take the souls of the believers, as was explained in some reports. This indicates that the truth will never disappear among the ummah for there are people who will inherit it, generation after generation.
This hadith highlights the virtue of knowledge and the virtue of learning, for Islamic knowledge is the noblest of all branches of knowledge, because it is connected to Allah (may He be glorified and exalted).
It indicates that understanding of religion is one of the signs that the Muslim is good.
It also indicates that Islam will not be defeated, no matter how numerous its enemies become.
This hadith is also one of the signs of prophethood..

1316

Bakr ibn ‘Abdullāh al-Muzani reported: While I was sitting with Ibn' Abbās near the Ka'bah, a Bedouin came to him and said: "What is the matter that I see that the children of your uncle supply honey and milk, whereas you supply Nabīdh (water sweetened with dates or raisins)?! Is it due to your poverty or due to your stinginess?" Thereupon, Ibn' Abbās said: "Praise be to Allah, we are neither poor nor stingy. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came riding his mount, and Usāmah was sitting behind him. He asked for water, and we gave him a cup of Nabīdh, and he drank and gave the remaining amount to Usāmah, and he said: 'You have done something good and pleasant. Continue doing it.' So, we do not want to change what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded.".

Commentary : A true Muslim follows in the footsteps of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and adheres to his guidance, especially concerning what is authentically reported from him. This was the attitude of the Prophet's Companions, who were keen to follow the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in all his actions and statements.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Bakr ibn ‘Abdullāh al-Muzani informs that while he was sitting with Ibn ‘Abbās near the Ka‘bah, a Bedouin - a dweller of the desert - came to him and said: "What is the matter that I see that the children of your uncle", meaning the rest of the Quraysh tribe apart from the children of Al-‘Abbās. "supply honey and milk, whereas you supply Nabīdh?!" The Bedouin was referring to supplying water to the pilgrims. The children of Al-‘Abbās would provide the people with Nabīdh, dates or raisins soaked in water till their taste became sweet. It is not intoxicating. Water in Makkah was subject to change, and so they used to sweeten it by that. He asked him: Is your abandonment of the supply of honey and milk due to poverty or stinginess? Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Praise be to Allah", and he told him that they were neither poor nor stingy; instead, they did so in adherence to the teaching they had received from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). This is because the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had come to Makkah while riding his mount, i.e., his she-camel, and Usāmah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) was riding behind him. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked for water, and they brought him a vessel containing Nabīdh, and he drank and made Usāmah drink the amount left over. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "You have done something good and pleasant," i.e., you have done a good and pleasant act by sweetening water with Nabīd made of dates or raisins. This indicates that this drink is not prohibited; otherwise, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not have drunk it, and he would have forbidden it.
Then, clarifying the reason for that, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "So, we do not want to change what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded" about sweetening water with Nabīdh, when he said: "Continue doing it," i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade them to continue supplying Nabīdh to the people, and they complied with his command. The meaning: We do not change the supply of Nabīdh into the supply of something else like honey and milk, even if this is deemed more appropriate to people, but we will not change something which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) liked and then commanded us to do. Indeed, this is more appropriate and befitting for us.
The Hadīth shows how the Companions followed the Prophet's guidance and were keen to adhere to his Sunnah.
It points out the merit of supplying drinks to the pilgrims.
It indicates that it is legitimate to drink non-intoxicating Nabīdh.
It includes praise for those who supply drinks to the pilgrims and for every doer of good.
The Hadīth demonstrates that wealthy people may consume the water provided in the mosques or roads, for it is supplied for everyone, not the poor alone..

1318

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: We joined the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in Hajj and ‘Umrah, and seven persons shared in a Badanah. A man asked Jābir, "Can a Jazūr be shared as a Badanah is shared? He said: "They are but from among the Badanahs." Jābir was present at the Hudaybiyah, and he said: We slaughtered seventy Badanahs during that day, and every seven persons shared in a Badanah. [In a version]: He commanded us that when we ended our Ihrām, we should present the Hady, and a group of us should share in one Hady. This was when he enjoined them to exit their Ihrām for Hajj..

Commentary : The Hady and Nahr (animal slaughter) are among the rituals of Hajj, and they represent a means of drawing closer to Allah and feeding the poor and needy. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified its rulings and that it is valid for seven persons to share in one Badanah, which is sufficient for them.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that when they were with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in Hajj and ‘Umrah, every seven persons shared in a Badanah. Badanah: It particularly belongs to camels. And it is said: It refers to camels and cows. In another version by Muslim: "in camels and cows, and every seven persons of us shared in a Badanah." This means that if the Hady is a camel or a cow, it is valid and sufficient to be shared by seven persons.
A man said to Jābir: "Can a Badanah be shared as a Jazūr is shared? Jazūr: young camels. And it is said: a Badanah is offered to the House before assuming Ihrām for the rituals, whereas Jazūr is the camels bought and offered to the House after Ihrām. Hence, the man asked about it and whether it is valid to also share in it? Jābir said to him: "They are, but from the Badanahs", i.e., when Jazūr is bought for the rituals, it becomes like Badanah.
Then, Abu az-Zubayr - who narrated the Hadīth from Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) - informed that Jābir attended the Hudaybiyah, the incident when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims were prevented from entering Makkah to perform 'Umrah. So, he ended his Ihrām and slaughtered the Hady at the place where he was stopped from proceeding. This happened in the sixth Hijri year. Hudaybiyah is the name of a well located near Makkah, almost 20km away on the old Jeddah Road.
Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that they slaughtered seventy Badanahs on that day, and every seven persons shared in one Badanah. And in a version: "He", i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), "commanded us that when we ended our Ihrām, we should present the Hady and a group of us should share in one Hady", i.e., a group up to seven persons would share in one Badanah. "This is when he enjoined them to exit their Ihrām for Hajj"; by Hajj, he meant the Farewell Hajj; and by ‘Umrah, he meant the ‘Umrah of Hudaybiyah, as indicated by his words: "Jābir was present at the Hudaybiyah."
The Hadīth indicates that it is legitimate for seven persons to share in one Badanah to offer it for Hajj..

1318

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: In the year of Al-Hudaybiyah, we slaughtered with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) a camel on behalf of seven persons and a cow on behalf of seven persons..

Commentary : Hady (sacrificial animals) and Nahr (slaughtering) are from the rituals of Hajj, and they represent a means of drawing closer to Allah and of feeding the poor and the needy. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified its rulings pointing out that it is valid for seven persons to share one camel or one cow and this will be sufficient for them.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) slaughtered their sacrificial animals with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on the year of Al-Hudaybiyah, the 6th year after Hijrah. Al-Hudaybiyah is the name of a well located near Makkah, almost 20 km away on the old Jeddah Road. The year of Al-Hudaybiyah is the year when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) set out to perform ‘Umrah. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) assumed Ihrām (ritual state of consecration) for ‘Umrah from Dhul-Hulayfah and brought the Hady with him. However, when the polytheists prevented him from reaching the House, they slaughtered the Hady. Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Badanah was shared by seven and the cow was shared by seven, and this was sufficient for them. "Badanah" here means a camel.
The Hadīth indicates the permissibility of sharing the Hady..

1324

Abu az-Zubayr reported: I asked Jābir about riding the Hady (sacrificial animal) and he said: I heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Ride it gently if you have nothing else until you find a mount.".

1325

Mūsa ibn Salamah al-Hudhali reported: Sinān ibn Salamah and I set out to perform 'Umrah. Sinān proceeded while having a sacrificial camel with him, which he was driving. The camel stopped in the way, being completely exhausted, and this state of it made him helpless - if it stopped proceeding further, how would he be able to take it along with him? He said: "When I come to the town, I will surely ask about that." I moved on in the morning, and as we encamped at Al-Bat'hā', he said: "Let us go to Ibn' Abbās to talk to him." He said: He mentioned to him the affair of his sacrificial camel, and he said: "You have come upon the well-informed one. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent sixteen sacrificial camels with a man, and he put him in charge of them. He proceeded and then returned and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, what should I do with those of them which become too exhausted to move?' He said: 'Slaughter them and then dye their hooves in their blood, and then put in on the sides of their humps. Neither you nor anyone of those in your company may eat from it.'" [In a version]: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent eighteen sacrificial camels with a man... and the rest of the Hadīth is the same. He did not mention the first part of the Hadīth..

Commentary : Allah Almighty sent His Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as a mercy to the worlds and made obedience to his commands and avoidance of his prohibitions the cause of salvation in this world and the Hereafter. His way was to make things easy for people in their worship and life, especially in those matters that involve hardship and harm.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Mūsa ibn Salamah al-Hudhali informs that he set out on a journey along with his brother Sinān ibn Salamah to perform ‘Umrah, Sinān had a sacrificial camel which he was driving. Badanah in Arabic and the plural is Budn, refers to a camel or cow brought and presented to the Sacred House of Allah. "The camel stopped in the way, being completely exhausted," i.e., it fell due to exhaustion before reaching where it would be slaughtered. So, Sinān was confused and did not know what to do about it. "If it stopped proceeding further", i.e., if it became tired and exhausted, what should he do with it? So, he swore, saying: "When I come to the town", meaning Makkah, "I will surely ask about that", which means: I will pose a thorough question about that. When he reached Makkah - in the forenoon - he alighted at Al-Bat'hā', a place containing small pebbles. It was initially the channel of the valley of Makkah, and it lies south of the Sacred Precincts, opposite Mount Thawr. It is also called Al-Abtah. He asked Mūsa ibn Salamah to go along with him to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). When they went to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him), Sinān told him about the sacrificial camel and what happened to it. Thereupon, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "You have come upon the well-informed one", i.e., you have come across a person well aware of the truth of what you have asked about and knowledgeable of all its aspects, apparent and hidden. Then, Ibn ‘Abbās said to him: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent" from Madīnah to Makkah "sixteen sacrificial camels with a man, and he put him in charge of them." He said: "He proceeded," i.e., he departed from the Prophet's gathering. "and then returned" and asked the Messenger of Allah, saying: "What should I do with those who become too exhausted to move?" i.e., they got exhausted and could not move on and reach the place of slaughter. In response, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Slaughter them", i.e., slaughter them in the place where you would leave them, and then dye the hooves hung around their necks in their blood, and then put the blood "on the sides of their humps" so that they could be recognized by anyone passing them by after that and known to be Hady that have been spoiled, and thus he could eat from them freely and would not think them to be dead animals. This is because the routes people took on their journeys were well-known to everyone. Also, it was a common habit for the dwellers of the desert - the Bedouins - and others to follow the positions of the pilgrims to pick up whatever they left behind in the places of their rest.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "Neither you nor anyone of those in your company may eat from it", i.e., your companions who travel with you. This is intended to block the means to wrong action, lest some people may slaughter the Hady or deem them defective before the right time.
The Hadīth indicates that a person may send presents to Makkah or appoint someone to do so on his behalf in case he does not go by himself..

1326

Dhu’ayb Abi Qabīsah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to send the sacrificial camels under his charge and say: If any of these is completely exhausted and you fear it may die, then slaughter it and dip its shoe in its blood, then strike its side therewith; however, neither you nor anyone of your companions should eat it..

Commentary : Hady is the name given to what is offered as a gift and slaughtered at the Haram (sanctuary) from the camels, cows, sheep, and goats. In this Hadīth, Abu Qabīsah Dhu’ayb ibn Halhalah al-Khuzā‘i narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to send the Budn, which refers to the livestock gifted to Allah's Sacred House, with him and then say to him: "If any of these is completely exhausted," i.e., afflicted with a disease or overcome by exhaustion that is likely to cause its death before reaching the place where it should be slaughtered, "then slaughter it" on the spot, "And dip its shoe" that is tied in its blood, "then strike" with this shoe stained with blood on its side, i.e., put the two sandals on the side of the camel's hump as a known sign to be recognized by whoever passes by it. Thus, whoever comes after them will look at it and realize that it is a damaged Hady and that it is permissible to eat from it without thinking it to be a dead animal. This is because the routes that people took in their travels were known to others as well, besides the fact that it was a regular habit of the desert dwellers from among the Bedouins and others to follow the traces of the pilgrims' lodgings to pick whatever they left behind therein. "But neither you nor any of your companions should eat it," i.e., he should not eat from it whether he is poor or rich, which entails blocking the means to what is unlawful lest some people should slaughter the Hady or make it defective prior to its due time.
The Hadīth encourages the act of sending Hadys to Makkah and appointing a proxy in case one does not go there himself..

1328

Tāwūs reported: I was in the company of Ibn' Abbās when Zayd ibn Thābit said: "Do you give Fatwa that a menstruating woman may depart without the last thing she does being Tawāf around the House?" Ibn' Abbās said, "If not, then ask the Ansāri woman so-and-so as to whether the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded her to do that." He said: Then, Zayd ibn Thābit returned to Ibn' Abbās, laughing as he said: "I only found that you spoke the truth.".

Commentary : Allah Almighty says: {Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 185] Allah Almighty also says: {and He has not imposed upon you any hardship in religion.} [Surat al-Hajj: 78] This clearly manifests the facilitation of things for people and the removal of hardship from them during the rituals of Hajj.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Tāwūs ibn Kaysān informs that he was with the Companion ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) when Zayd ibn Thābit (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: You issued a Fatwa that a menstruating woman may leave Makkah without performing the Farewell Tawāf! Ibn ‘Abbās replied to him, saying: "If not" i.e., if you do not accept my view, then leave it and go ask the Ansāri woman so-and-so - this is ’Umm Sulaym bint Milhān (may Allah be pleased with her) - as to whether the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined her to do that. So, Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) went and asked her, and she agreed with the view of Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). It is narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections that ‘Ā’ishah, the Prophet's wife, reported that Safiyyah bint Huyay, the Prophet's wife, got her menses during the Farewell Hajj. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Will she delay us?!" I said: "O Messenger of Allah, she has performed the Ifādah Tawāf around the House." Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then, let her depart."
When Zayd ibn Thābit (may Allah be pleased with him) knew the right thing, he went back to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him), laughing, as he found his view to be correct. Then, he said: "I only found that you spoke the truth." So, Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) agreed with the view adopted by Ibn' Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). This is what we are required to do when a dispute arises over something; we should refer to the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and when a sincere person finds proof that disproves his own opinion, he complies with it and scraps stubbornness.
The Hadīth shows the politeness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), their righteousness, their keenness to follow the Sunnah, and their readiness to go back to what is right when it becomes manifest.
It indicates that if a woman gets her menses, she can depart and leave the Farewell Tawāf.
It also demonstrates that some rulings may be unknown to some scholars..

1331

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka‘bah while there were six pillars in it. He stood near a pillar and supplicated, and he did not pray..

Commentary : The Conquest of Makkah took place in the eighth Hijri year. It was a blessed victory for the Muslims. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered it, he did so in modesty and humility toward Allah Almighty, Who bestowed this victory upon him.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka'bah during the day of the Conquest of Makkah, and "there were six pillars" in it, i.e., six columns, and he stood near a pillar and supplicated while standing and did not pray therein. However, the opposite of that is established by a Hadīth in the Two Sahīh Collections. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka'bah with Usāmah ibn Zayd, Bilāl, and 'Uthmān ibn Talhah al-Hajabi, and he locked it behind him and remained inside. I asked Bilāl when he came out: What did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) do? He said: "He took up a position with one pillar on his left, one pillar on his right, and three pillars behind him - the House had six pillars at the time - and then he prayed. They are reconciled by giving precedence to the Hadīth reported by 'Abdullāh ibn' Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), as Bilāl (may Allah be pleased with him) was with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) inside the Ka'bah; or that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered the Ka'bah twice; he prayed at one time and did not pray at the other..

1333

‘Atā’ reported: When the House (the Ka‘bah) was burned during the time of Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiyah as the people of the Levant invaded it, and what happened to it happened, Ibn az-Zubayr left it until the people came to the season, seeking to encourage - or incite - them against the people of the Levant. When the people departed, he said: "O people, advise me regarding the Ka'bah. Should I demolish it and then rebuild it or repair its damaged part?" Ibn ‘Abbās said: "An opinion has occurred to me concerning it; that you repair the damaged part of it and leave a House upon which the people embraced Islam and stones upon which the people embraced Islam and upon which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was sent." In reply, Ibn az-Zubayr said: "If the house of one of you was burned, he would not be pleased until he renewed it. So, what about the House of your Lord? I will make Istikhārah (consult my Lord) for three and then determine my affair." When the three were over, he decided to demolish it. The people kept away from him, fearing that something from heaven might descend upon the first one to climb it. Then, a man climbed and threw down some stones from it. When the people saw that nothing harmed him, they went one after another and demolished it to the ground. Ibn Az-Zubayr erected pillars and hung curtains on them until its structure rose up. Ibn az-Zubayr also said: I heard ‘Ā’ishah say: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Were it not for the fact that the people have recently left Kufr (disbelief) and that I do not have enough funds to enable me to build it, I would incorporate five cubits from the Hijr into it and make for it a door through which people enter and a door through which they exit." He said: "Today, I have the funds, and I do not fear people." He said: "He added to it five cubits from the Hijr till there appeared a foundation the people could see it. He built the structure upon it. The length of the Ka‘bah was 18 cubits, and when he added to it, he regarded it as short. So, he increased its length by ten cubits and made two doors for it: one for entrance and the other for exit. When Ibn az-Zubayr was killed, Al-Hajjāj sent a message to ‘Abdul-Malik ibn Marwān informing him about that and telling him that Ibn az-Zubayr had placed the structure upon a foundation that was seen by the upright people in Makkah. In reply, ‘Abdul-Malik sent a message to him saying: "We do not have anything to do with Ibn Zubayr's smearing. As for the addition he had made to its length, approve it. As for the addition he had made to it from the Hijr, revert it to its structure and wall up the door he had opened." So, he demolished it and restored it to its structure..

Commentary : The Ka‘bah is the Sacred House of Allah and the Qiblah of the Muslims. It is the first house to be appointed for humankind. Abraham and Ishmael (Ismā‘īl) (peace be upon both of them) had constructed it at the command of Allah Almighty, and it was demolished and built more than once.
In this Hadīth, ‘Atā’ ibn Abu Rabāh relates that when the Sacred House was burned, which happened when Al-Husayn ibn Numayr as-Sakūni surrounded ‘Abdullāh ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) in Makkah after the incident of Al-Harrah in Madīnah, in 63 A.H., at the command of Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiyah, the then Caliph of the Levant. Ibn Az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) was in dispute with him over the caliphate at the time. So, the people of the Levant entered the Sacred House to fight ‘Abdullāh ibn az-Zubayr and the Ka‘bah was burned, and its wall inclined due to the throwing of a catapult, a tool that throws stones. This burning and damage that happened to the Ka‘bah were not intended to occur to it; rather, the intended purpose was to besiege Ibn Az-Zubayr. So, the catapult strikes were targeting him, not the Ka‘bah.
During the siege, there came news about the death of Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiyah in 64 A.H. Thereupon, the Levant army returned to its land. Then Ibn Az-Zubayr rose and declared himself as the Caliph, and the pledge of allegiance was given to him as the Caliph, and he commanded the obedience of the people of the Hejaz, Egypt, Iraq, and Khurāsān. After the departure of the Levant army, ‘Abdullāh ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) left the House in its damaged state until people came from every place for the season of Hajj and gathered there. Ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) wanted to "embolden them", i.e., encourage them to fight the people of the Levant, or "incite them", i.e., stir up rage in their hearts by making them see the burned House, and so they would fight the people of the Levant. When the people turned back to their homeland after the end of Hajj rituals, Ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) said to the people of Makkah or the notables among them: "O people, advise me regarding the Ka'bah", i.e., give me your opinion: Should I demolish it and then rebuild it anew, or repair its weakened and damaged part? In reply, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "An opinion has occurred to me concerning it", i.e., an opinion has appeared and become clear to me, which is that you repair the weakened and damaged part in it and restore it to its former condition and leave the Ka'bah in the state which the people were familiar with when they embraced Islam. "and stones upon which the people embraced Islam", meaning the stones of the Ka'bah without alteration, and upon which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was sent, and he did not change them. Ibn az-Zubayr said: "If the house of one of you was burned, he would not be pleased," i.e., the owner of the burned house until he renewed it. "So, what about the House of your Lord?!" In other words, the House of Allah Almighty is more worthy of being repaired and renovated. Then, he said to them: "I am going to make Istikhārah (consult my Lord) for three", i.e., I will perform the Istikhārah prayer and seek goodness and help from my Lord for three times or three days, and then I will make up my mind. When the three days were over, he realised that he should demolish and rebuild it, and he was determined to do that. As a result, the people avoided him. They turned away, fearing punishment would descend upon the first person to go above the House to demolish it, like what happened to the Companions of the Elephant. They remained in that situation till a man from them ascended the Ka‘bah and began to pull out the stones. When the people saw no punishment hit him, they moved and headed to the House one after another in constant succession. They demolished it and removed its stones until it was leveled to the ground. "Ibn az-Zubayr erected pillars and hung curtains on them until its structure rose up." The purpose was to make these pillars and curtains a Qiblah for worshippers so that they could identify the location of the Ka'bah through them. These curtains remained till the structure went up and became visible to the people. At that point, he removed them, as the objective was achieved, which was to build the high structure of the Ka'bah.
Then, Ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned a Hadīth which he heard from his maternal aunt ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Were it not for the fact that the people have recently left Kufr", i.e., they have recently embraced Islam and departed from Kufr. "and that I do not have enough funds" i.e., I do not possess enough money to enable me to build it, I would incorporate into the House "from the Hijr" - which is the circular structure around the Ka'bah from the side opposite the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner, and it takes the shape of a semicircle adjacent to the Levantine and Iraqi Corners, and this Hijr is part of the Ka'bah - "five cubits"; In another version by Muslim: "and I added to it six cubits from the Hijr." This is because the Quraysh did not have enough money to construct the Ka‘bah. So, they built it according to their available means and left the remaining part outside and called it Hijr. Therefore, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to include it in the House. Then the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "and make for it a door through which people enter", which is the eastern door, "and a door through which they exit", which is the western one. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) decided not to demolish the Ka'bah and incorporate the Hijr into it out of fear of possible Fitnah (confusion, strife), so he left it as it was. After narrating the Hadīth, Ibn az-Zubayr said: "Today I have the funds", and I possess money sufficient for this purpose, and I do not fear Fitnah for the people as Imān (faith) is well established in their hearts. So he added to the Sacred House, incorporated into it five cubits from the Hijr, and dug an area in the ground of the Hijr till he reached the foundation of the House, upon which Abraham (peace be upon him) constructed the building, and the people saw and observed it. Ibn Az-Zubayr built the structure upon it. "The length of the Ka'bah was 18 cubits, and when he added to it, he regarded it as short," i.e., he considered it to be short. So, Ibn az-Zubayr increased its length by ten cubits. A cubit is about 69 cm. "and he made for it two doors: one for entrance and the other for exit." So, Ibn Az-Zubayr built the Ka'bah according to the design intended by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
When Ibn az-Zubayr was killed in 73 A.H., and the caliphate was established for Banu Umayyah, Al-Hajjāj ibn Yūsuf ath-Thaqafi sent a message to ‘Abdul-Malik ibn Marwān - the then Caliph of the Levant - informing him "that Ibn az-Zubayr had placed the structure upon a foundation" i.e., upon the foundation of Abraham, which he revealed when the Hijr was dug; "that was seen" i.e., observed "by the upright people", those whose testimony is acceptable, "in Makkah"; so, should he leave it in the way Ibn az-Zubayr built it or demolish it and then rebuild it according to its old design? ‘Abdul-Malik sent a reply to Al-Hajjāj: "We do not have anything to do with Ibn Zubayr's smearing", i.e., we have nothing to do with the blame for the crime Ibn Az-Zubayr perpetrated by demolishing the Ka‘bah. In other words, we are innocent of his crime of demolishing the House. "As for the addition he had made to its length, approve it", i.e., keep it as it is. "As for the addition he had made to it from the Hijr, revert it to its structure," i.e., demolish it and restore it to its former structure, as it was during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). "and seal up the door he had opened"; this is the other door, which Ibn Az-Zubayr added. So, Al-Hajjāj demolished the House and restored it to its former structure.
The Hadīth highlights the significance of seeking the opinion of those with sound judgment and experience.
It mentions the repair of the damaged part of the Sacred House.
It indicates the permissibility of abandoning something recommended and legitimate for fear that people may fail to understand it.
It also indicates that an interest may be abandoned for the sake of being safe from falling into evil.
It shows how the ruler should win the hearts of his subjects and work to protect them.
The Hadīth demonstrates how the Companions were keen to comply with what the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted.
It points out that the Istikhārah prayer should be performed with regard to important matters..

1336

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came across a caravan at Ar-Rawhā’. He said: Who are the people? They replied: The Muslims. Then, they asked: Who are you? He said: The Messenger of Allah. So, a woman lifted up a boy to him and said: Is Hajj counted for this one? He said: Yes, and you will have a reward..

Commentary : Islam has laid down certain conditions for a Muslim to be held accountable for religious duties and obligations. One of these conditions is making Hajj obligatory only upon the adult, sane, and free Muslim who has the ability.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) "came across a caravan," i.e., a traveling group. A caravan specifically refers to the owners of camels. And it is originally used to refer to ten or less than that. "At Ar-Rawhā’", is a village located almost 80 km away from Madīnah, that was on the way back from the Farewell Hajj, as mentioned in the narration of An-Nasā’i. He asked them: "Who are the people?" They answered him saying that they were from the Muslims. Then, they asked him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "Who are you?" He replied: "The Messenger of Allah". Perhaps they did not recognize him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) because they had not seen him before, as they did not emigrate, i.e., they embraced Islam in their countries and did not emigrate before this incident.
On knowing that he was the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), a woman from among them lifted up a little boy - one who had not reached the age of puberty - and she asked: "Is Hajj counted for this one?", i.e., does this little boy obtain the reward of Hajj? The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) answered her, saying: "Yes" he gets the reward of voluntary Hajj, "and you will have a reward," i.e., because of making him avoid what the Muhrim (one in state of ritual consecration) avoids, and doing what the Muhrim does, and teaching him if he is discerning, or the reward of being his deputy in Ihrām (state of ritual consecration), throwing the pebbles, standing, and carrying him during Tawāf (circumambulating the Ka‘bah) and Sa‘y (walking at a brisk pace between Safa and Marwah) if he is undiscerning. His saying: "And you will have a reward" is meant to encourage her.
A boy's Hajj is valid, and he gets a reward for it; however, it does not exempt him from the obligation, and he will have to perform the obligatory Hajj after reaching puberty.
The Hadīth indicates the permissibility of performing Hajj on behalf of the minor in general.
It also makes it clear that the boy is rewarded for his act of obedience and his virtuous deeds are recorded for him.
The Hadīth also affirms the reward of the boy's guardian if he makes him perform Hajj.
It also denotes that whoever does not know something must ask the scholars about the rulings he does not know.
It points out that whoever helps someone offer an act of obedience gets rewarded..

1342

‘Ali al-Azdi reported that Ibn ‘Umar taught them: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mounted his camel to set out on a journey, he would say Takbīr three times and then say: "Subhāna al-ladhi sakhkhara lana hādha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinīn wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibūn. Allāhumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hādha al-birra wa at-taqwa wa min al-‘amali ma tarda. Allāhumma hawwin ‘alayna safarana hādha watwi ‘anna bu‘dah. Allāhumma anta as-sāhibu fi as-safar wa al-khalīfatu fi al-ahl. Allāhumma inni a‘ūdhu bika min wa‘thā’ as-safar wa ka’ābat al-manzhar wa sū’ al-munqalab fi al-māli wa al-ahl (Glory be to Him Who has subjected this for us, for we could not have done it by ourselves, and we will surely return to our Lord. O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for goodness and piety, and for deeds that are pleasing to You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and make its distance short for us. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the One in Whose care we leave our family behind. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from this journey's hardships, from the terrible sights, and from a misfortunate return to our property and our family)." On returning, he would say the same and add: "Āyibūn tā’ibūn ‘ābidūn lirabbina hāmidūn (We are returning in safety, turning to our Lord in repentance, worshiping Him, and praising Him).".

Commentary : Traveling involves hardship and fatigue, but Allah Almighty, out of His mercy, has created for His slaves and guided them to make ships that they could ride on the sea; camels, horses, and cars that they could ride on land; and airplanes that they could ride in the air. They carry them to their destinations without any fatigue or hardship. So, when they settle on them, they remember the favor that Allah Almighty has bestowed on them by subjugating and making such mounts and vehicles easy for them to ride.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) teaches some of his companions the supplication for traveling. He informed them that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rode and settled on his mount - which was the camel, and this includes all types of animals that could be ridden and the modern means of transportation - to set out from Madīnah on some journey, he would remember Allah and say: "Allāhu akbar (Allah is the Greatest)", three times. The Prophet's (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) saying Takbīr when riding and settling on the mount was acknowledging the greatness of Allah Almighty and the fact that He is greater than everything. He, thus, proclaimed His greatness to thank Him for that, so Allah would grant him extra bounty from Himself. Then, he would say: "Glory be to Him Who has subjected this for us" and has made it submissive to us, referring to the mount. "For we could not have done it by ourselves," i.e., we could not have been able to subjugate it and use it if Allah Almighty had not subjected it for us. "and we will surely return to our Lord," i.e., surely, we will return and go back to our Lord after death. It is as if the traveler who rides on what Allah has subjected for him remembers the last journey in this world, which is one's journey to Allah Almighty when he dies and people carry him on their shoulders.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would praise Allah and supplicate Him saying: "O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for goodness and piety," Birr (goodness): adherence to obedience. Taqwa (piety): refraining from sins; thus, obeying the commands and avoiding the prohibitions. Then, he would ask his Lord to grant him deeds so that He becomes pleased with him. After that, he would ask Allah to make the journey easy for him and make its distance short for him. Following his supplication, he would say: "O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey," i.e., You accompany me on my journey and, thus, You make it easy for me. "And the One in Whose care we leave our family behind," in my absence, so, You surround them with Your care and protection, as Allah Almighty is with man on his journey and the One Who takes care of his family in his absence because Allah Almighty encompasses all things.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would seek refuge with Allah from some of what afflicts man during his journey including: "This journey's hardships," i.e., its severity, difficulty, and the fatigue it causes. and "the terrible sights," i.e., the change in the face as if one is sick, and the feeling of defeat as a result of seeing what one likes undergoing something bad, which causes grief and sadness. It was also said: It means seeking refuge with Allah from every sight that results in grief when looking at it. "A misfortunate return," indicates when returning and seeing what displeases him in his family and property. In the Hadīth of ‘Abdullah ibn Sarjis (may Allah be pleased with him) - in Sahīh Muslim and Musnad Ahmad - it was mentioned that he would start with "the family" on returning, as he would say: "And from a misfortunate return to our family and our property" instead of "our property and our family." The Hadīth also states: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sought refuge from "Hawr" after "Kawr", i.e., from scarcity after abundance and from the change in state from obedience to sin. He also sought refuge from the supplication of an oppressed person, i.e., I seek refuge with You from oppression, as it leads the oppressed person to engage in supplication, and there is no barrier between it and Allah, as mentioned in the Two Sahīh Collections.
On returning, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would say these aforementioned words and would add: Āibūn (We are returning), i.e., we are returning from the journey safely. Tāibūn: (We are repenting), i.e., turning to our Lord from sins to obedience. Ābidūn, lirabbina hāmidūn (We are worshiping Him, and praising our Lord,) i.e., praising Allah Almighty with His attributes of perfection and majesty and showing gratitude to Him for His blessings and favors. It means: We are on our way back to our country, homeland, and families, and we are determined to return to Allah in sincere repentance coupled with righteous deeds, including showing gratitude to Allah, worshiping Him on a regular basis, and drawing close to Him by prayer and frequent prostrations.
So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to remember Allah's worship and the fact that he was a slave of Allah Almighty all the time.
The Hadīth urges the act of Allah's remembrance when setting out on a journey and on returning therefrom..

1348

‘Ā’ishah reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There is no day on which Allah sets free more of His slaves from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah. He verily draws near, then He boasts about them before the angels saying: 'What do these [people] want?'".

Commentary : Allah has favored some days over others, and these favored days are occasions for Allah's grants and gifts that He offers His slaves, forgiving sins and elevating degrees, and the Day of ‘Arafah is one of these virtuous days.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that saving people from torment and setting them free from the Fire takes place on a larger scale on the Day of ‘Arafah than on any other day. ‘Arafah is a spot located on the way between Makkah and Tā’if. It is almost 22 kilometers away from Makkah, 10 kilometers away from Mina, and 6 kilometers away from Muzdalifah. It is the place where the pilgrims stand on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah supplicating to Allah and asking for His forgiveness. "He" the Almighty verily "draws near" in a manner that befits His majesty and greatness, in compliance with what Allah Almighty has established for Himself, without Tashbīh (drawing comparison) or Tamthīl (likening Him to His creatures). Then, He boasts before the angels about the Muslims standing at ‘Arafah, demonstrating their merit and the excellence of what they do, and praising them before the angels. The word "bahā’" (boast) originally means beauty and grace. So, Allah boasts about them and praises them in the angels' presence. "Saying: What do these [people] want?", i.e., what do these people want by leaving their families and homelands, spending their money, and exhausting their bodies? The answer is omitted, and it is assumed to be: They only sought Allah's forgiveness and pleasure, which indicates that they are granted forgiveness, as Allah does not boast about sinners and wrongdoers except after repenting and being granted forgiveness.
The Hadīth establishes the attribute of drawing near to Allah Almighty in a way that befits His majesty and greatness.
It also establishes the attribute of boasting for Allah Almighty in a way that befits His majesty and greatness..

1356

Jābir reported that he heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "It is not lawful for any of you to carry a weapon in Makkah.".

Commentary : Makkah is a sacred city as it has the Sacred House and sacred sites. The Shariah has legislated for its special rulings that affirm such meanings. It has legislated therein means of security that have not been legislated in any other spot on earth.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade carrying weapons in Makkah. Perhaps the reason behind this is to prevent it from being a cause of terrifying a Muslim or doing harm to anyone. Undoubtedly, this enhances the sense of security in a place like Makkah where the Islamic sacred sites are found. The prohibition here is meant when there is no necessity for carrying a weapon. However, if there is a necessity - like fighting the disbelievers and their likes - it is permissible to carry weapons like what happened in the Year of the Conquest when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah with his armies carrying their weapons. Allah granted him permission to do so to spread His religion and make His word superior. Hence, Allah made this Sanctuary lawful for him for part of the day, from sunrise to ‘Asr prayer. Then, he declared among people that its sanctity had returned to its former state..

1358

Jābir ibn Abdullah al-Ansāri reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah, Qutaybah said: - [another narration reads]: He entered on the day of the Conquest of Makkah - wearing a black turban without being in Ihrām (state of ritual consecration)..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to observe the Prophet's states to learn from him, especially during calamities like wars and battles, and reported all this to those who came after them. They described his appearance, his clothes, and all his states.
In this Hadīth, the great Companion, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah on the day of the Conquest, 8 AH, wearing a black turban on his head. He was not wearing the clothes of Ihrām and did not have the intention to make Ihrām on that day because he did not want to perform the rituals; rather, he wanted to conquer Makkah.
In the two Sahīh Collections, Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered in the year of the Conquest wearing a helmet on his head." It is likely that the helmet was over the turban to protect his honorable head from iron rust, or the turban was over the helmet, or perhaps he was wearing the helmet when first entering, then he took it off and put on the turban later. Thus, each one of them reported what he had seen..

1359

‘Amr ibn Hurayth reported: It is as if I am looking at the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on the pulpit, wearing a black turban, the two ends of which he has let hang down between his shoulders..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to observe the Prophet's conditions to learn from him, and they conveyed what they saw to those who came after them and described his appearance, clothes, and all conditions.
In this Hadīth, ‘Amr ibn Hurayth (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that he saw the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in one of his sermons on the pulpit - and this took place at the time of the Conquest of Makkah, as narrated by Al-Humaydi in his Musnad Collection - wearing a black turban on his head and letting the two ends of his turban hang down between his shoulders. The words "two ends" are reported like this, in the plural form, whereas it is narrated by Abu Dāwūd in the singular form 'end', which is more preponderant.
The Hadīth makes mention of wearing a black turban..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths